Dunham Massey
Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester
A National Trust estate near Altrincham where a moated Georgian hall, a large winter garden and an ancient deer park of veteran oaks and fallow deer share one day out.
Visit information checked 22 October 2026
Garden UK guide
Why visit Dunham Massey?
Dunham Massey combines a garden and a medieval deer park on the edge of Altrincham. The hall, rebuilt in 1616 and remodelled in the 18th century, stands on a moated site with the park to the south, and the garden and grounds run around it. Many visitors come for the deer park, but gardeners should give the garden proper time too.
The park is the oldest part. It was first recorded in 1353 and is the only surviving medieval park in Trafford or the surrounding area. Its pasture-woodland is full of old oaks, many dating back to the 17th century, and it supports fallow deer and more than 500 insect species, which is why it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Around the hall you will find a series of historic structures: an orangery, a deer house, an early 18th-century sundial, an obelisk of 1714 and a sawmill that probably dates from 1616. The obelisk at the end of the north vista from the hall is said to mark a racehorse's grave.
The garden is best known for its winter garden, a large area planted to give colour and scent in the coldest months. It is a good place to pick up ideas for bark, stems, evergreens and winter-flowering shrubs that keep a small garden interesting from November to March. In other seasons, the contrast between the managed garden and the old trees of the park is part of the pleasure. Paths are generally flat, as the land here is low-lying. Deer roam freely, so keep a respectful distance and do not feed them.
What to see
- Explore the winter garden, planted for colour and scent in the coldest months.
- Walk among veteran oaks and fallow deer in the medieval deer park, first recorded in 1353.
- See the orangery, deer house and early 18th-century sundial in the grounds.
- Follow the north vista from the hall to the 18th-century sandstone obelisk.
- Look at the moat and the Grade II* listed sawmill, probably built in 1616.
Dunham Massey through the year
- spring
- The deer park comes into fresh leaf and the garden borders start to fill out around the hall.
- summer
- The old oaks give shade across the park, and the garden around the moated hall is at its fullest.
- autumn
- Autumn colour in the park's oaks and woodland makes this a good season for a long walk.
- winter
- This is the time for the winter garden, with bark, stems, scent and winter flowers, plus frosty views across the deer park.
The story behind the garden
Dunham was the seat of the Massey barons in the Middle Ages, and the Booth family inherited most of their land in 1409. Sir George Booth built the present hall in 1616, and it was remodelled by John Norris for George, 2nd Earl of Warrington, between 1732 and 1740, with further changes in the late 18th century and from 1905 to 1908.
The grounds gained many of their listed features under the 2nd Earl, including the obelisk raised in 1714 in memory of his mother. The hall served as a military hospital in the First World War. In 1976 Roger Grey, 10th and last Earl of Stamford, gave Dunham Massey to the National Trust, which now cares for the hall, garden and park. The deer park, first recorded in 1353, remains the heart of the estate, and the hall, stables and carriage house are all listed Grade I.
Plan your visit
- Best for
- Gardeners looking for winter planting ideas, walkers who enjoy ancient trees and deer, and families wanting a mix of garden and parkland.
- Getting there
- Dunham Massey is about two miles south-west of Altrincham in Greater Manchester, close to the Bridgewater Canal and the River Bollin.
- Before you go
- Allow time for both the garden and the deer park, and keep clear of the deer, especially in the rutting season. Check the National Trust website for current opening times and tickets.
Source: Wikipedia: Dunham Massey
Questions about visiting Dunham Massey
Is Dunham Massey National Trust?
Yes. Dunham Massey has been owned by the National Trust since 1976, when Roger Grey, the 10th and last Earl of Stamford, gave it to the Trust. The Trust cares for the hall, garden and deer park.
Does Dunham Massey have a winter garden?
Yes. Dunham Massey has a large winter garden designed to give colour, texture and scent in the colder months. It is one of the best reasons to visit between late autumn and early spring.
Are there deer at Dunham Massey?
Yes. Fallow deer live in the deer park, which was first recorded in 1353. They are wild animals, so keep your distance, do not feed them and keep dogs under close control near them.
How old is the deer park at Dunham Massey?
The deer park was first recorded in 1353 and is the only surviving medieval park in Trafford or the surrounding area. Many of its oak trees date back to the 17th century, and it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Garden features
Location
Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Greater Manchester
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